This DISCOPRO programme will take place from Wednesday, 20 November until Friday, 22 November. The event will see more than 50 speakers on stage for panel discussions that are headlined by a series of masterclasses, and a panel discussion led by experts from around the world, which will be sponsored by The Africa Channel.

These sessions will aim to address how independent producers can export their content and best adapt to the fast-paced world of multicultural television. Four sessions will provide a rapid course of study on what makes a project aimed at multicultural audiences actually sell in today's challenging environment.

DISCOPRO programme director Andrew Boozer says, "Given the growth predictions of content produced in Africa, this years' programme will address how producers, writers and directors can best adapt in this fast-paced multiscreen and cross-border world and highlight how Africa can play an influential role in tomorrow's global content production and distribution industry."

The DISCOPRO speaker line-up includes experts from broadcasters from across Africa, such as Ethiopia's Kana TV, the SABC and Royal Media from Kenya. International companies such as -Côte Ouest, Warner Media, Turner Africa and Fox studios will also be represented in the DISCOPRO line-up.

Narendra Reddy, EVP and general manager of The Africa Channel, says, "We are proud to partner with the DISCOPRO conference programme, which presents both an educational opportunity and an information exchange to accelerate growth in the Africa entertainment and media sector."

"The global technology shifts in content consumption and distribution presents a significant opportunity for producers on the continent to access new markets. The breadth of speakers and the panelists will seek to address any perceived barriers to entry," adds Reddy.

The practical and outcomes-driven sessions include: 

Panel discussions around the seven key pillars needed to facilitate unfettered growth in Africa's fast-moving entertainment and media marketplace:
  • Exporting Content Produced in Africa — Inside and Outside Africa
  • The Content Monetization Challenge
  • Empowering Women in the Entertainment Industry
  • Stop Fake News
  • The United World of Animation
  • Bringing Video Gaming Competitions to the Screen
  • Why Dubbed Content is Important
A masterclass programme comprised of real-world case studies that emphasise practical solutions:
  • The Critical Importance of the Development Phase
  • The Value of Copyright
  • Music as a Cross-Border Accelerator
  • Win-Win Distribution Strategies
  • How to Shoot a Film Under $10 000 and Sell it to SHOWMAX
A tutorial track focussed on co-production opportunities with South Africa:

According to DISCOP JOBURG, in addition to proper targeting, original themes and international distribution, multi-party co-production is increasingly becoming an important factor for success.

South Africa, which has a rapidly developing content production and distribution sector, competitive advantages and many coproduction treaties already in place, is becoming an important supplier of talent, stories and production services to the global community.

This tutorial track will aim to put under the spotlight projects that can benefit from existing co-production treaties between South Africa and France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

A Pitching Program showcasing original animation projects:

For the third year running, DISCOPRO — in partnership with the African Animation Network (AAN) and the Annecy Animation Festival and Market (MIFA) — will host the finale of the Pan-African Animation du Monde 2020 pitching competition.

This programme also includes an additional pitching showcase organised under the DISCOMICS banner, in partnership with the AAN. DISCOP JOBURG says that with the world looking to the continent as a growth center, Africa is expected to play a role in the expansion of the global animation industry, and Africa will be the focus territory for 2020 at the MIFA gathering.

The first look series of innovative ideas:

Intertwined in the general agenda, the First Look Series will aim to feature a line-up of inspiring presentations from experts, entrepreneurs, key players and speakers who have the edge on how independent producers and storytellers can improve their crafts, generate more revenue and expand their reach.

For more information, or to register for DISCOP JOBURG, visit www.discop.com. You can also follow DISCOP JOBURG on Facebook or on Twitter.